Speaking to IAB at the regional launch of the Renault Lodgy in Chennai, CEO and Managing Director of Renault India, Mr. Sumit Sawhney threw light on two other variants.

The Renault Lodgy Stepway was showcased at the Renault Star Guild Awards in January.

When asked about the Renault Lodgy Stepway, an all-road version with an enriched body, that was unveiled at a Bollywood awards ceremony in January, he said –

Yes, in due course of time we would be launching it.

The Stepway variant differs from the regular Lodgy with special front and rear skidplates, stepped-chrome grille, honeycomb mesh lower air intake, foglamps with satin chrome surrounds, wheel arch protectors, and special finish on the roof bars and side mirror shells. The interior (on the Euro-spec model) features special upholstery with embroidery and topstitching. The dials and air vents are circled with colours coordinating with the instrument cluster.

Mr. Sawhney was quick to dismiss a petrol Lodgy. He explained –

This segment is completely dominated by diesel. Nobody buys petrol because what you want is high mileage and strong power and torque that come from a diesel engine. The usage is so high that nobody goes for petrol cars in this segment.

Renault sees no reason to launch a petrol variant in a diesel-dominated segment, though it offers the Duster with a 1.6L petrol engine.

Renault India is also bracing to launch its used car division. Currently in the pilot stage, the CEO said that the program would launch this year, where existing dealerships would have a section handling the new business.